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LU Community Outreach Program returns $1M to local economy

Lamar University’s Community Outreach Program recently completed its fourth successful year of providing free tax preparation through the Community Tax Center Program. This year, the program helped more than 500 working families and senior citizens with income tax returns and processed more than $1M in refunds.

Tax preparation was provided by trained volunteers from the LU student body and local community. These volunteers were honored for their hard work and dedication at the annual Volunteer Awards Program on May 7. LU student, Milagro Egeonu, Houston, received the Student Leadership Award for his role in the success of the program. Milagro serves as president of the Lamar University chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants. Milagro’s leadership was instrumental in recruiting and encouraging his members to give back to the local community by participating in the Community Tax Center Program.

Lamar University student Dalton Couch, Sour Lake, also received the Outstanding Student Volunteer Award. Dalton has served in the Community Tax Center Program for three years and has been a great asset to the program. These young men represent the best and brightest at Lamar University and continue the long tradition of Lamar students volunteering to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in Southeast Texas.

The Community Tax Center Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income ($45,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteer tax preparers receive training and certification from the Internal Revenue Service. Program sponsors include Lamar University, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, City of Beaumont Public Libraries, Entergy Texas and Internal Revenue Service.